I lost track of the number of paying jobs I've had when the number passed 25. Maybe the bots at Social Security or the IRS will sort it all out for me someday. I've disliked a lot of those jobs, but I'm proud of almost all of them.
Factories, warehouses, upscale office complexes, and yes, record stores, are among my former workplaces. I've worn steel-toe boots and fancy ties. The wide range of settings has erased many of my biases.
That's why I have little patience for people who feel compelled to go out of their way to bash bands like Nickelback. Not only do I not dislike Nickelback, I sincerely like Puddle of Mudd. Many of the band's original fans have been my co-workers. I've also worked alongside guys who consider Rockfest the highlight of their social calendars.
I have nothing but admiration for Sidewise's new album Made of Matches. Sure, the Kansas City band is simply rearranging pieces of songs by the likes of Saliva, Five Finger Death Punch and Seether, but the recording rings true.
Sidewise doesn't pretend to be innovative. And there are times when I simply want to unwind to loud and unchallenging music. I just spent a couple hours in the heat hacking at poison ivy. Made of Matches sounds perfect right now.
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My thoughts about Saturday's tribute to the Jazz at Massey Hall concert are posted at Plastic Sax.
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Tim Finn reports that the Beautiful Bodies recently signed to Epitaph Records.
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Cowboy Indian Bear has released the 7-song EP Vandeventer.
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"Fix" is a new track by Reach.
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Teddy Dibble talks about records again.
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Tech N9ne released a video for "Hard".
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Jerry Vale has died.
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Da Cruz's Disco e Progresso is enthralling. Here's a video for the opening track. RIYL: Jorge Ben, Brasil, Chic.
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Pigeon John's Encino Man is RIYL: Kid Cudi, wild parties hosted by smart nerds, the B52s.
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The ECM player for Driftwood, guitarist Wolfgang Muthspiel's collaboration with Larry Grenadier and Brian Blade, has my name written all over it.
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Curtis Harding's Soul Power is RIYL: Hanni El Khatib, American music, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears.
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Holy moly! Down's Down IV – Part II is excellent. RIYL: Black Sabbath, sludge, Masters of Reality.
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Marie et Marion, the latest release by Anonymous 4, rubs me the wrong way. RIYL: incense, Chanticleer, church pews.
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Everyday Robots, the wistful and ramshackle new album by Damon Albarn, is RIYL: Paul Weller, merrie olde England, Thom Yorke.
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Sérgio Dias of Os Mutantes includes an album by the Swingle Singers (!) on his list of influential albums.
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I hadn't missed Dipset. Here's Cam'ron's comeback song "Dipsh*ts".
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I began prepping for doomsday immediately after watching Die Antwoord's video for "Pitbull". (Via S.S.)
(Original image by There Stands the Glass.)
